Erectile dysfunction (ED, or impotence) occurs when a man can no longer get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. But if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, it may cause stress, relationship problems or affect self-confidence.
Problems getting or keeping an erection can be a sign of a health condition such as heart disease or poorly controlled diabetes. In fact, treating an underlying problem may be enough to reverse erectile dysfunction.
Causes
Male sexual arousal involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Problems with any of these can cause erectile dysfunction. Physical, as well as psychological, issues can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction, and in some cases a combination of both.
Physical
In most cases, ED is caused by something physical. Common causes include:
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Metabolic syndrome, a condition involving elevated blood pressure, insulin levels,
cholesterol and body fat around the waist
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Low testosterone
Peyronie’s disease, development of scar tissue inside the penis
Certain prescription medications: including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain or prostate cancer
Tobacco use
Alcohol and substance abuse
Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
Surgeries or injuries affecting the pelvic area or spinal cord
Psychological
A number of things can interfere with feelings of sexual excitement and cause or worsen. These include:
Depression, anxiety or other mental-health conditions
Stress
Relationship problems
Chinese medicine & erectile dysfunction
With the use of acupuncture and herbal formulas, treatments generally aim to strengthen qi (energy) and blood flow in the pelvic area, thereby assisting in:
Getting an erection
Maintaining an erection
Increasing sex drive, if necessary
Depending on the root/underlying cause, treatments will also be tailored to address the underlying problem as well. So treatments may also be designed to aid in the management of health concerns such as:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Stress and anxiety
- Obesity
Additionally, diet and lifestyle habits are assessed and recommendations for modification made, where necessary.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture points primarily on the abdomen and legs are selected and gently stimulated to strengthen the Jing/ESSENCE which governs sexual and reproductive function.
Herbal formulas
In creating the ideal herbal formula, a number of herbs are typically combined. Popular herbs used to assist in getting and maintaining an erection and increasing sex drive include:
Bu Gu Zhi (Fructus Psoraleae Corylifoliae)
Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae Chinensis)
Hai Ma (Sea Horse)
Yin Yang Huo (popularly known as “horny goat weed”)
Ba Ji Tian (Radix Morindae Officinalis)
Most have the added function of increasing sperm count and motility and preventing premature ejaculation.
